The season of love is upon us! Head down the nearest big box retailer and you’ll see pink and red hearts galore. But, if you’re not careful, your checking account will be in the red, too. Have no fear! You can still share the love without breaking the bank when you use these simple strategies.
Don’t Wait Until Valentine’s Day
We’re all busy but delaying shopping for your sweetie until the minute could cost you big bucks. When we feel pressured to spend, we tend to grab whatever we can without regard to the price. Get out early in the week to make your gift selections. You’ll avoid the crowds and spending too much money.
Keep Cards Simple
Especially when it comes to the cards kids exchange at school, the simpler the better. Keep in mind that many of these cards will be thrown away or become clutter in the recipient’s home. Opt for affordable candy. Consider making your own Valentine’s. Or check out these adorable FREE printable options I found on Pinterest.
For grown up Valentine’s a hand written letter always makes a bigger splash than a boilerplate greeting card. Take a few minutes to reflect on your love and write a love letter instead.
Give Heart Shaped Foods
A number of restaurants know we love to show our love through foods. Check out the following heart shaped food specials:
- Papa Murphy’s: Heartbaker Heart Shaped Pizza for $9. For only $3 more you get cookie dough, too! Papa John’s is offering a slightly more expensive version at $15.58 for a thin crust.
- Chick-fil-A: This year, Chick-fil-A is offering either 10 count Chicken Mini’s or 30 count Nuggets in a heart shaped pan.
- Dunkin’ Donuts: You can get both heart shaped donuts and FREE downloadable Dunkintines to give sweets to your sweetie this Valentine’s Day.
- Auntie Anne’s: Get BOGO heart shaped pretzels to share with your love with this coupon at Auntie Anne’s. Valid only on Valentine’s Day.
- Mrs. Field’s: Get 20% off select orders with the code CUPID on Mrs. Field’s where there are heart shaped cookies and boxes of goodies, too.
You can always make your cookies with either pre-made dough or your own homemade dough. You don’t even need a special pan, just shape the dough into a heart shape and bake. Keep in mind that it will expand some, so start small.
Celebrate Next Week
February 15th is just as romantic as the day before. Choose to celebrate a day or two later, picking up gift items, and candy on clearance. Plus, you’ll avoid the long lines at your favorite restaurant, too. Practice patience this year and sample the sweets at least half the price.
Be Smart About Flowers
From online to the side of the road, it seems everyone is selling flowers at Valentine’s Day. If you want to surprise that special someone with a big bouquet, be smart about what you choose and where you buy.
- Visit your local florist today instead of ordering online to see if there’s a special deal or a lower priced arrangement that you can purchase.
- If you’re a last minute shopper, don’t forget to check out the flowers at your grocery store or a warehouse store like Sam’s Club or Costco.
- Industry experts say skip the van on the side of the road, though. Even though the price is lower, these flowers are considered to be subpar and they won’t last long.
- Flowers kept at cooler temperatures are more likely to keep their bloom, too! Look for those refrigerator cases when you buy.
- Of course you could also always buy a potted plant that will bring spring just a little bit earlier to your indoor spaces and can be placed outside once the temperatures warm.
In the end, love shouldn’t cost a thing. Showing your love might be as simple as taking care of a nagging household task or sitting together to share a movie at home with a bowl of popcorn. Be intentional with the time and the money you spend this Valentine’s Day.
Our new book Your Money, Your Marriage is now available! Be sure to check out videos on managing money together on Facebook.
My book is now available: Slaying the Debt Dragon: How One Family Conquered Their Money Monster and Found an Inspired Happily Ever After. You can also check out The Debt Free Devotional
This post contains an affiliate link. That means when you get a great deal, learn about a way to save, or maybe even something for free, I may end up making a small commission. All prices are subject to change.
